As easy as it would have been for the Islanders to move on from Scott Mayfield this offseason as the defenseman hit free agency with the potential for greater earnings and a greater role elsewhere, the organization was about as interested in that possibility as Mayfield himself.

Bringing him back, which the Islanders did on July 1, using a seven-year contract to get Mayfield to an affordable $3.5 million average annual value, means in practice the Islanders almost certainly will go into opening night with the same seven defensemen who filled out their depth chart at the end of last season.

It is an interesting, albeit predictable, bet by a front office that has stood behind its philosophy at every potential inflection point.

Interesting because despite ranking fifth in goals allowed per game, the defense showed serious cracks last season when you drill past the surface.